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Halloween is a magical time. Unlike other holidays, it’s less about family and more about exploring personal fantasy – and satisfying your sweet tooth. On this one day, society gives you permission to be whomever you want to be; no other day has that much possibility, which is why Halloween is fun for all ages.
Of course, we at Handcrafted Model Ships have a vested interest in one very special Halloween fantasy: the pirate. And what a great fantasy it is: being a scofflaw bandit on the high seas … raiding Spanish galleons of the riches they themselves plundered from the New World – fighting boarding actions with a pistol in hand and a dagger in your teeth. Great fun!

These compelling fantasies are based upon fascinating realities. Let’s face it, in comparison to our modern day office-dwelling existence, pirates led far more interesting lives. One of the most famous, and fascinating, of the real world pirates was Blackbeard; much of the pirate fiction that we consume centers around many of his real world exploits.

You may find the “Pirates of the Caribbean” portrayal of pirates as belonging to their own self-governing society as preposterous. Blackbeard, however, did exist in a world where pirates plotted amongst themselves for their own betterment. For instance, under Blackbeard’s command, a fleet of pirates blockaded the then English port of Charleston, South Carolina. This pirate alliance then engaged in traditional extortion by demanding that Charleston pay a ransom in order to lift the blockade, which they did. Similarly, Blackbeard ruled his ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, by the consent of the crew. It would seem that old-timey pirates do follow an honor code after all.
What many of you don’t know are the stories of Blackbeard’s ghost, for when it gets close to Halloween, and the seas get dark and stormy, many spot the Queen Anne’s Revenge sailing the seas once more. It isn’t known what the spectral Blackbeard is seeking on the Atlantic; maybe he wants to avenge his death at the hands of Robert Maynard of the Royal Navy, or maybe he’s searching for yet another cargo ship to plunder. Whatever his reasons, be wary, fellow traveler. The likes of Blackbeard’s ghost are not to be taken lightly.

For those looking to feature Blackbeard’s ghost at your very own Halloween party, an actual Handcrafted Model Ship of the Queen Anne’s Revenge is essential. You’re in luck, because Handcrafted Model Ships has many different versions to choose from, starting with the 7” Queen Anne’s Revenge in a Bottle. A perfect item for a child’s bookshelf, particularly when you tell them the tale of Blackbeard’s ghost. Of course, there are many more high-end models of Queen Anne’s Revenge available, going all the way up to the 37” “Caribbean Pirate Ship.” Oh, did I forget to mention that the Queen Anne’s Revenge bears a striking resemblance to the Black Pearl from Walt Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean? So you’re getting double the pirate bang for your buck!

Other elements of pirate decor include such mainstays as nautical maps, compasses, sextants, and telescopes. These will not only be great decor elements for a room, but they also serve as perfect costume props when it’s time to go trick-or-treating. So don’t sit around being a sorry landlubber. Get your pirate booty today so it will arrive in time for Halloween. Happy hunting!

This weekend, September 7-9, 2012 is the Tall Ships Festival in Dana Point, California where there will be assembled a collection of sailing vessels from all over the globe.

Come on down and see a mock-cannon naval battle, chat with some pirates, (and it’s not even Talk Like A Pirate Day!) and, best of all, meet the master builder himself, craftsman Richard Norris – the mastermind of Handcrafted Model Ships. As a tip, before heading down to Dana Point, practice your pirate parlance. The internet can help you here because of International “Talk Like a Pirate Day.” Receiving instruction on how to talk like a pirate can make it second nature in no time… laddie. Now you can seek out Mr. Norris and impress him with your pirate-speak, which is something of which he never gets tired.

Don’t worry about seeming like a poseur. After all, this is about letting loose and having some fun, right? Nobody’s really a Caribbean pirate or knight of the realm. Of course, you also don’t want to be that guy in flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt, winking and pointing at the hula dancers going, “Arr, Mateys!” which, at a distance, just looks like you’re a confused transient. (And, yes, there will be hula dancers.)

So, put some thought into it. Don a costume, put on an accent. After all, Halloween’s just around the corner, so consider it practice.

Besides the obvious fun of costumed dramatics, swashbuckling and cannonades, it’s a great opportunity to get that Handcrafted Model Ship you’ve been eying for a while now. (Don’t lie. Like a Jamaican gypsy stowaway, we can see into your soul.)

We know you don’t want to pass up the chance to have the Handcrafted Model Ship you’ve always wanted sold to you by Richard Norris himself; a rare opportunity, as he’ll be readily available right at the show to answer any of your questions, whether it’s about our wonderfully large inventory, how the man himself has crafted these beautiful ships. Did I mention there’ll also be discounts of up to 70% off? Huzzah, indeed!

Model ships are a must-have at this event, and topping our list for 2012 is the Queen Anne’s Revenge. (Hey, you’d be pretty teed off if your husband had you beheaded, too!)

Oh, wait – wrong Anne? Nevermind. While her beef may’ve been lost to history, one thing’s undeniable: the ship which bears her name (and ire) has a fascinating history, as the one chosen by the notorious pirate Blackbeard. You’ll also notice her striking resemblance to the aptly named “Black Pearl”, captained by none other than Jack Sparrow in the Disney “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. So, she’s the quintessential pirate’s ship – and waiting to set sail in your living room.

Feeling patriotic as election time draws near?

Bring aboard the Handcrafted Model Ship of the USS Constitution. As it just recently sailed again under its own power, it’s an excellent, timeless example of American ingenuity and craftsmanship. Go, U.S.A!

Named by none other than George Washington, it’s the only ship from its era still in active service as a part of the modern U.S. Navy. Over the course of its more than two centuries of history, it defended American merchant shipping in the Mediterranean, defeated British rival ship HMS Guerriere in the War of 1812, and served as an American ambassador of goodwill once the Age of Sail had come to a close. Wow.

Talk about your mascot for liberty, freedom of enterprise and longevity. It’s the USS Constitution all the way!

So, why not don some pirate digs, fly some colors, grab a cutlass and annoy your pet parrot by incessantly asking if it’d like the saltine you found in the sofa cushion?

You’ll be much better received by the folks down at Dana Point – especially at the Handcrafted Model Ships booth.

As one of the most recognizable and renowned pirates in all of sailing lore, Blackbeard (Edward Teach) sailed throughout the Caribbean and up the North American east coast for three years in the early 1700s, building his fleet, wealth, and legend in the process. The Queen Anne’s Revenge, dreaded flagship of his fleet, came to be known as a formidable vessel; one that was sadly sunk in 1718 as Blackbeard absconded with a wealth of loot. Based on Oracoke Island, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Blackbeard ran the ship aground following a week’s long blockade of the harbor in Charleston. Now, some 300 years later, the treasures of this sunken beauty are coming to the surface, exciting the minds and imaginations of scientists and nautical enthusiasts alike. As the largest underwater archeological project in America, the Queen Anne’s Revenge site has fascinated scientists since 1997, with multiple artifacts discovered, studied, and placed on display in museums throughout the country. As some of the grandest prizes, however, the massive cannons from the ship were exceptional finds, treasure troves of great historic import. Twelve cannons have been discovered thus far, with the newest one recently making headlines as it was raised from the wreckage. At 8 feet long, covered with “concretion,” or layers of sediment that form a hard shell, the cannon is a magnificent puzzle that must be carefully unlocked over the course of the next few years.

HMS 24" model of Queen Anne's Revenge

Though Blackbeard had received a pardon following his initial pirate activities, after a brief respite from the sea he soon returned in search of further plunder, leading soon afterwards to his death. Following his success in blockading the port of Charleston, Blackbeard became a much sought after target, pursued by British Lieutenant Robert Maynard under charge of Virgina Governor Alexander Spotswood. In what would prove to be his final battle, Blackbeard and his remaining crew were discovered in late November, 1718, and quickly blockaded by Maynard’s fleet before coming under attack. Returning fire, Blackbeard’s pirates leapt aboard Maynard’s seemingly empty vessel only to be surprised by sailors hidden below decks. During the brief battle the legendary pirate was struck down by blade, with Maynard taking Blackbeard’s head as a trophy; hanging it from the bow of his ship as he sailed triumphantly back to shore. Though Blackbeard’s life at sea was cut short, he left the world with his fascinating story and a legendary ship that now, 300 years later, is met not with dread, but pure fascination and wonder.

There are many things to consider when purchasing model ships. For instance, how much money are you willing to spend on your models? How is the quality of the model ship in relation to the price? Do you fancy a particular time period? These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself when you are considering purchasing model ships. The price range of ship models can be anywhere from below fifty dollars to upwards of ten thousand! That is why it is important to determine how much money you are going to budget toward your hobby. As such, the quality of the ship models should also correlate well with the model ship’s price. If the ship is over a thousand dollars, and the quality of the ship seems lackluster, then it probably is not a good idea to buy it. Also, to narrow down your search for model ships you should already know which time periods speak to you. Do you like Civil War ships? How about pirate ships? Maybe you have a diverse range of tastes. Either way, once you know what to look for you are already half way there.

Consider the Amount of Money You are Willing to Spend

If you are on a low model ship budget, then handcraftedmodelships.com offers a lot of inexpensive model ships. Specifically, there are a lot of model ships under fifty dollars, such as the seven inch Caribbean Pirate, which is only $9.99. The Caribbean Pirate is great for those not looking to spend much money, and those who are beginning to start collecting.

If your model ship budget is a bit higher, than the Carnival Destiny is a great ship for you. This model ship comes in at $179.99. This is a great mid-range model ship that you should definitely consider when purchasing model ships.

Consider the Quality of the Model Ships

Being such a inexpensive ship model, the Caribbean Pirate forgoes wood and plastic, as it is made entirely out of resin. There are not many intricate details, but it is still a very nice ship considering the price.

The Carnival Destiny is a scale replica of the actual cruise ship, and is made 100% from the finest rare woods, such as mahogany, rosewood, birch, maple, and yellow siris. The Carnival Destiny was recreated faithfully using such things as drawings, actual photos, and even the ship’s plans. The amount of detail and work that went into this ship is definitely appreciated by the price of the Carnival Destiny.

Consider the History and Culture of the Model Ships

If you are inclined toward pirate ships, then the Caribbean Pirate may seem like a sensible choice depending on your budget and quality considerations. It is a common choice for many model ship collectors, and at such a low price the Caribbean Pirate is definitely a great trinket that will humble your collection.

The Carnival Destiny is a cruise ship owned by Carnival Cruise Lines. If you are interested in cruise ships and have a higher budget to play with then this ship is definitely of quality and will match your interests.

Once all things have been considered, you can safely begin to make your decision as to which model ship(s) to purchase. These three things (budget, quality, and history) are just a few of the considerations to ponder when perusing model ships. Make sure to take your time and to thoroughly examine what you and your model ship collection are missing before you settle on a final purchase.

Nowadays, anyone can become a model ship collector. What used to be an expensive hobby has become put into the hands of anyone who wants to join. You can find model ships for as low as $9.99. However, for serious model ship collectors those models just will not cut the mustard. Real model ship collectors know, however, that it is not about price, but rather about the quality, time invested, and limited scope of the model. A great model ship is diligently worked on by master artisans and created from the finest materials around. Many of the best model ships are often limited editions because they are so intricate in design that the designer can only create so many. This article will take a look at some of the top ship models for serious collectors.

The USS Constitution Limited Edition

The USS Constitution is a great ship model for serious collectors. Upon purchase you are given a Certificate of Authenticity signed by master artisan Richard Norris. Only fifty models of the USS Constitution will ever be made. This ship model is intricately designed and hand painted to accurately match the actual ship. It is built with rare woods such as cherry, walnut, oak, birch, and maple. Each model takes hundreds of hours to build by master craftsmen. This is due to realistic touches such as twenty-three hand stitched sails, an actual copper plated hull, and fully built lifeboats. The USS Constitution comes in at 38″ in length, 10″ in width, and 28″ in height. For all the details and work that goes into the USS Constitution you would be surprised to learn that it is only $599!

The RC Ferrari Hydroplane

The RC Ferrari Hydroplane is an excellent model ship for the serious collector looking for a great remote controlled model. This model is designed in the image of its real life counterpart and is meticulously painted to match. Furthermore, the Hydroplane even comes with plush leather seats reminiscent of the actual ship. The dashboard is even equipped with real looking gauges that are not merely painted on. Each strip of wood on the hull is laid down one at a time to ensure a quality product that is pleasing to both eye and touch. Also, when using its remote control function the Hydroplane can go up to 25 mph! Therefore this model is great for serious collectors looking to get a little fun out of their model ship collection. The RC Ferrari Hydroplane comes in at 32″ in length, 8″ in width, and 11″ inches in height. At $699 this model is a bit pricey, but for the serious model ship collector money should not be an object.

The San Felipe Special

The San Felipe is a one of a kind model that every serious model ship collector should be interested in. But act fast, because there is only one model available! The details that went into the creation of the San Felipe model are staggering. This model ship is made from the highest quality woods; its canvas sails have been starched to keep them in place; and the deck is littered with cannon ball racks, wooden grates, rudder chains, and an authentic lifeboat. This model took hundreds of hours to complete from scratch (no kits) by master craftsmen. The San Felipe is a grandiose 60″ in length, 24″ in width, and 54″ in height. For something so rare and so beautiful, the San Felipe’s price tag of $7999 is completely worth it!

When looking to buy great model ships online it is important to find online stores for model ship collectors that offer a wide array of both model ships and nautical decor. The quality of the model ships on these sites should directly correlate with the price. The best online stores for model ship collectors should have master artisans that work tirelessly on your model from start to finish. These sites should also have great shipping methods and care packaging to ensure a safe arrival to your doorstep. For instance, you do not want to purchase a model ship for over a hundred dollars that was created sloppily and falls apart before it even reaches your door, and not even have a money back guarantee. For the model ship collector looking to buy individual models look no further than handcraftedmodelships.com. If you are a retailer looking for wholesale model ships then tallmodelships.com is your best bet. Both stores are reliable and offer great quality, low prices, and safety assurance.

Hand Crafted Model Ships

At Hand Crafted Model Ships you will find a large assortment of tradition model ships, such as: Civil War ships, Coast Guard ships, cruise ships, decor yachts, fishing boats, pirate ships, remote controlled boats, sailboats, ships in bottle, speed boats, tall ships, and WWII ships. These ships are created from the highest quality materials such as cherry, teak, yellow siris, birch, and rosewood. The higher the cost of the model the more effort that was put into creating it. Some models require over two hundred hours of work by master artisans to complete. Hand Crafted Model Ships also has some limited edition and rare model ships available. Furthermore, you can purchase nautical decor items such as compasses and ship wheels to accommodate your model ship purchase. These decor items will add flair and style to your nautical themed room at cheap prices. Every item bought from Hand Crafted Model Ships is guaranteed quality, and is shipped to your house in safe packaging that ensures the safety of your product. If for some reason you are not happy with your model ship or decor item you are entitled to receive a full refund. If you are looking to purchase models then Hand Crafted Model Ships should be your first stop.

Model ship collecting is one of the worlds oldest hobbies. In the ancient world, model ships reflected the peoples love and sometimes fear of these outstanding technological advancements. Back then, ships were the most advanced and complex technological achievements in the world. Interest in ships were high due to the impact they had on trade, adventure, and war, among other things. Model ships were used for many different purposes. Some of which coincide with what they are used for today, while other purposes have dropped off completely mostly due to cultural changes. Today, model ship collecting is still a world wide hobby. It seems that our fascination with sea faring vessels remains intact, and the enthusiasm has not died down one bit.

Model Ship Collecting in the Ancient World

Ancient model ships from Greece, Egypt, and Phoenicia were discovered lining the Mediterranean. Using these models as guides, we can determine the cultural influences and economic conditions of the time period. Model ship collecting in the ancient world was done for a variety of reasons. For instance, many model ships served as burial votives for the dead. While this may not be seen very much or at all in modern culture, ancient ship models were also used as toys, household decorations, and as art. Furthermore, the model ships used as household decor could also serve as more than display purposes. Some models were made into lamps or used as drinking appliances.

In Europe, up until the the 18th century almost all model ships that were made were done so strictly for the purpose of showcasing how the actual ship would look when finished. It was not until the Napoleonic wars that model ship collecting became a hobby, and even an art form, in Europe. This was due to imprisoned French and English seamen who created ship models out of random scraps laying around their cell floors. When people began buying these models, the prisoners where supplied with better materials such as ivory to craft much more luxurious models. And by the 1880s Britain was home to three model ship sailing clubs.

Model Ship Collecting in the Modern World

Today model ship collecting around the world is still very popular. They make excellent toys for children, great decorations for households, and fun gifts for those people in your life that you are unsure of what to get come the holidays. Unlike model ships of the yesteryear, in the modern era model ships can be manufactured much more easily. This is because of the industrial revolution that made it so that practically anyone can build a model ship from pre-existing kits. Before that, model ships were built strictly by master artisans who slaved for hours on end in order to create works of art. In spite of this there are still master craftsmen today who take model ship building and collecting very seriously. Furthermore, new to the modern era of model ship collecting are RC boats. RC boats are remote controlled boats that can be fully functional on water. These boats are great fun for young and old alike.

Model ship collecting around the world is as strong as it has ever been. While there have been some changes in the application and practical purposes of ship models, the joy of creating and collecting them still remains the same.

Model pirate ship collectors know how grandiose pirate ships were during the heyday of tall ships. Many had multiple masts with dozens of sails, held hundreds of crew members, and had a terrifying reputation.

These days, pirates remain infamous as mercenaries off the coast of Africa continue to take over ships with valuable cargo that pass through their waters. However, modern pirates apparently need to be a little more careful when choosing their victims.

Troops aboard the Dutch warship HNLMS Tromp fired warning shots Wednesday off the coast of East Africa as suspected Somali pirates in two small skiffs raced toward their warship, the EU Naval Force said.

After the pirates realized they had made what spokesman Cmdr. John Harbour called a “rather silly mistake,” they turned around and fled. EU Naval Force personnel tracked down the two skiffs and a third suspected mothership, finding ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades on board, said Harbour, a spokesman for the EU Naval Force.

The two skiffs were destroyed and the pirates were set free on the mothership after it had been cleared of weapons.

“This morning’s attack may show a lack of sophistication in the pirate’s selection of targets, but it should be a warning to the merchant community that the pirates will try to attack any vessel on the high seas,” said Harbour.

The EU Naval Force has disrupted 11 pirate attack groups off the coast of East Africa over the last two weeks as part of a more offensive mindset to stop pirate attacks, Harbour said.

Experts say piracy will continue to be a problem until an effective government is established on Somalia’s lawless shores. It has not had a functioning government since a socialist dictatorship dissolved into civil war 19 years ago. The current administration is too busy fighting an Islamic insurgency to tackle the well-armed and well-funded pirate bases along its 1,900-mile (3,100-kilometer) long coastline.

The London-based International Maritime Bureau says Somali pirates captured 47 vessels last year and launched 217 attacks. More than 100 crew are still being held.

Want to own a piece of history? Buy a model pirate ship and show the modern pirates how it’s done!